Using a medication with counseling will double your chances of successfully quitting.

If you are pregnant, nursing, under age 18, or have a medical condition, talk to your health care provider before using any medication.

Be Prepared for Relapse or Difficult Situations

Most relapses occur soon after quitting. Don’t be discouraged if you start smoking again.

Most people try several times before they finally quit. Here are some difficult situations to watch for:

Alcohol: Drinking alcohol lowers your chances of successful quitting.

Other smokers: Being around other smoking can make you want to smoke. You may need to avoid smokers for awhile.

Weight gain: Many people will gain some weight when they quit. Eat a healthy diet, stay active. Don’t let weight gain distract you from your main goal of quitting smoking. Use of nicotine gum or bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) may delay weight gain.

Bad mood or depression: Smoking affects our moods. If you find that your mood changes for the worse as you cut down or quit smoking, seek professional assistance in learning how to manage your mood without smoking.